Update: The Pixar Treasures has finally been released. After a delay of nearly a year, you can order your copy. Heres’ my review that was first published last October. The contents of the wonderful book remain the same. Enjoy!
The Disney Editions release of The Pixar Treasures by Tim Hauser can really be summed up in one word…wow! This 60+ page scrapbook doesn’t sound like much, but it’s really a Pixar fanatic’s dream come true. The book covers details about the history of Pixar, sections on shorts/films, behind the scenes photos, Pixar University, Pixar archives, interviews with Pixarians (more on that in a minute), but that’s not the main draw here. As I said, this is a scrapbook of sorts. You’ll find pictures of very rare and cool Pixar artifacts such as CalArts classroom photos, concept art (such as The Brave Little Toaster by John Lasseter!), storyboards, sketches, posters and so much more. Even cooler is reproductions of various trinkets & treasures that are tucked into pockets within the book. What kind of things? How about a CalArts brochure, a letter from Disney animator Glen Keane to Ralph Eggleston, Luxo holiday cards, unofficial workflow charts, wrap party invitations and that’s really just the tip of the iceberg.
Front Cover
Back Cover
Some of my favorite things included a Joe Ranft pull out explaining the storyboard process (using storyboards!), various director approval stamps, Toy Story 3 daily animation comics and some Buy N Large bumper stickers!
Letter From Glen Keane to Ralph Eggleston
As I mentioned, there are quotes aplenty from all your favorite Pixarians. Familiar names like John Lasseter, Ed Catmull, Andrew Stanton, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich, Bob Peterson, Ralph Eggleston, Brad Lewis, Angus MacLane, Harley Jessup, Ricky Nierva, Jonas Rivera and Joe Ranft.
Teddy Newton Caricatures
But you’ll also hear from lesser known Pixarians such as Elyse Klaidman, Jason Katz, Jim Morris, Peggy Tran-Le, Bobby Podesta, Dylan Brown, Shawn Krause, Randy Nelson, Juliet Roth Cesco, David Difran, Nettali Alvarez, Tia Kratter, Christine Freeman, Bill Cone and Andy Dreyfus.
This is not meant to be an encylopedia or definitive reference/resource book. It’s a lovingly produced “geek-fest” designed to give you a real peek behind the scenes of Pixar along with some great mementos to drool over. I can’t recommend this highly enough. Get your copy now!
